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A First-of-its-Kind Operation for REEL
From May 8 to August 23, 2018, REEL carried out the drum replacement at Flamanville 1. The project concluded with successful water requalification tests, marking a major first for the company.
The original drums had never been replaced. REEL designed, manufactured, and installed its very first drum entirely in-house.
A Contract Signed at WNE 2016
In 2016, during the World Nuclear Exhibition, REEL signed the drum replacement contract with EDF. The complexity of the project required multi-disciplinary expertise in engineering, fabrication, and logistics.
Customer Recognition and Strong Collaboration
EDF acknowledged the success of the operation:
“This project is a genuine success, made possible through the joint efforts of the design and project teams at CNEPE and REEL, supported by close oversight from the Flamanville Joint Team and strong collaboration with CNPE. This enabled us to secure the overall schedule, maintain budget control, and meet our safety challenges.”
Despite various constraints, REEL delivered on time, safely, and with full client satisfaction.
A Massive and Complex Installation
The drum at Flamanville 1 is impressive:
- 165 tons
- 22 meters in diameter
- Semi-submerged
It filters seawater upstream of the cooling system for the turbine hall.
A Spectacular Assembly Process
- The 9.2-meter-long, 34-ton drum shaft was inserted through a 7 × 15 meter opening.
- 32 spokes (16 per wheel) were paired and mounted.
- The assembled rim underwent a controlled 360° rotation.
- 64 filtering panels were installed, along with sealing and washing systems.
A Drum Built for Reliability and Sustainability
REEL’s drum stands out for:
- Proven mechanical reliability through qualification testing
- Robust construction designed for minimal wear and 30-year bolted assembly guarantees, including seismic and vibration stress
- Easy maintenance and enhanced safety for personnel
- Reduced environmental impact via recovery of lubricants previously released into seawater
- An innovative design enabling fast on-site installation
What’s Next?
The story continues with the Flamanville 2 drum replacement, scheduled to start in January 2019. REEL plans up to two drum projects per year starting in 2021, continuing through 2024.
